Q: My doctor said he thinks I’m disabled. Isn’t that enough to qualify for disability? If not, who decides if I meet the requirements for Social Security disability benefits?
A: The local Social Security office first reviews your application to make sure you meet some basic requirements for Social Security disability benefits, such as whether you worked enough years to qualify.
Then they will send your application to the disability determination services office in Columbus, often called the “DDS” or “state agency.” The state agency completes the disability decision for us. Doctors and disability specialists in the state agency ask your doctors for information about your condition. They consider all the facts in your case. They use the medical evidence from your doctors and hospitals, clinics, or institutions where you have been treated and all other information; including information from you and your family members.
Sometimes, the state agency staff may need more medical information before they can decide if you are disabled.
If more information is not available from your current medical sources, the state agency may ask you to go for a special examination.
Social Security does prefer to ask your own doctor, but sometimes the exam may have to be done by someone else. Social Security will pay for the exam and for some of the related travel costs.
Learn more about disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
Send questions to Robert Fenn, Social Security Administration, Second Floor, Federal Building, 2 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308. Fax: 330-375-5616 or email: Robert.Fenn@ssa.gov.